“As I enquire more about African histories before European Colonisation (19th century onwards), from my perspective, there is too much focus on thinkers from the West. 

Unfortunately, history within the Western tradition is predicated on what was documented (as in written) before. Despite the evidence of many Western thinkers embodying racist, discriminatory and problematic ways of being. 

Instead of dedicating more time debating what is already known about those limited modes of thought, let us actively highlight those caretakers of knowledge whose flowers are overdue. 

To the historians (independent and within academia - I see you Bolanle Awe and Issac Samuels). To our parents, grandparents and other people we share ties with (chosen / familial) whose stories throughout our lives were actually the foundation of oral histories. Hence, in this letter to my child, I am urging them to question how African history before European colonisation has been framed in Western schools of thoughts (until present). But more importantly, to welcome the fact that history cannot be explained or understood in only one way. 

By leaning in to how history has persevered in their cultures, my child will hopefully find their way to make sense of the past by being supported in their way of looking.”